Rookies 2006

                                                                                                                           Pitching Line = IP H R ER BB SO
 


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12 March, 2006

    World Baseball Classic ... Round Two begins Sunday ...

    Spring Training ...  Cameron Maybin DET, getting a taste of MLB, 0-1 ...  same for Elvis Andrus ATL, 0-2 ... Jason Kubel MIN DH 0-2 ... John Maine NYN 2 3 6 6 4 2 ... Alay Soler NYN 1 2-3 6 5 4 2 1 (spring ERA now 21.60)  ... Kyle Davies ATL 3 2 0 0 0 1 ... Lastings Milledge NYN 3-5 ... James Jurries 1B ATL 2-4, homer, 6 RBI ... Josh Banks TOR 2 2 0 0 0 1 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 2-3, triple ... Gavin Floyd PHI 2 2 1 1 2 2 ... Jimmy Barthmaier HOU 3 1 1 1 0 1 ... Joel Guzman LAD, LF, 2-4 ... Ryan Zimmerman WAS 2-5 ... Jon Lester BOS 2 3 4 4 2 2 ... Hayden Penn BAL 3 2 0 0 0 2 ... Andy Marte CLE 0-1, K, error ... Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-3, 2 RBI ... Brandon Phillips CLE 0-3 ... BJ Upton 0-2 ...Jeremy Hermida FLO 0-3 ... Jason Stokes FLO 2-3 ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ATL 1-2, 2nd homer, 3 RBI ...  Kenji Johjima SEA, fitting in nicely, 3-5, double, homer ... Adam Jones CF SEA 1-3, homer ...

    Troop Movements ...  MIN - Glen Perkins among those to minor league camp (MLC) ... TEX - Mike Nickeas to MLC ... TB - Jon Switzer optioned to AAA, Jeff Niemann to AA ... CHN - Bobby Brownlie to MLC ... MIL - Brad Nelson optioned to AAA, Lou Palmisano to MLC ...  

    Top 100 alert ... the RotoWorld 100 on the 100s page had some errors, now corrected (numbers 2 through 9 had been listed incorrectly due to a sorting error).  Hope to have the Consensus 100 up within the next day or so.

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, reviews the CIN and PIT farms.  A few of the lesser-publicized prospects included in his reports :

" ...  Jay Bruce ...  No. 12 overall pick impressed the organization with his makeup and mature approach for a high schooler in his debut last summer. Eventually he'll likely be a corner outfielder, but he's shown the ability to play center  ... can hit with power to all fields. All he needs is experience to learn the nuances of the game and he'll start getting that in Dayton."

" ...  Tyler Pelland, LHP ...  has Major League stuff and just needs to command it to excel. He'll pitch at age 22 with a year of Class A Advanced ball under his belt. Once he starts harnessing what he's already got, look out."

" ...  Rajai Davis ...  had a very nice year in Altoona in 2005, hitting .281 and stealing 45 bases, but the Pirates think there's a lot more than that waiting to come out. He's learning to hit the breaking ball better and an improvement in commanding the strike zone will make him a much more dangerous leadoff hitter. "

" ...  Nate McLouth ... Best described as a poor man's Brian Giles, a player with individual tools that won't wow you, but whose complete package is a very nice asset to a team. He's got a little power (10 HRs, 26 doubles in 2005), can drive in a few runs and runs the bases well (36 steals last year). He can play any outfield position, though he doesn't necessarily excel in any one spot. Even though his tools are average across the board, there's confidence he'll be a performer at the big league level because of his work ethic and desire to play the game the right way. "

    John Danks, Edwin Volquez looking good in the TEX camp but still likely heading to the minors to begin the season.

" ...  Rangers officials, who met Friday night to discuss the roster, still want Danks and Volquez to get more time in the Minor Leagues. "Both are going to continue to get innings as a starter," general manager Jon Daniels said Saturday. "But we are very cognizant of where they are in their development. We're looking at their long-term future and we're not going to jeopardize that." Danks has pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings in both intrasquad and exhibition games while allowing just one hit. Volquez has allowed just one run on two hits in five innings. "Both have been very impressive," Daniels said. "It's a balance between their development and recognizing they've gone out there and performed."  (MLB.com)

    Finally tracked down the second part of Mark Allen Haverty's Top 50 at The Sporting News (geared toward those rooks likely to perform in MLB this season).  Along with it, a Top 10 for 2007 with a couple of familiar names atop the list.

" ...  32. Josh Barfield ...  a five-tool stud at second, and he would rank higher if playing time were more of a guarantee. The (idiotic) free-agent signing of Mark Bellhorn will cut into Barfield's playing time somewhat, but he is the real deal and will prove that by the end of the season. "

" ...  1. Brandon Wood, SS, Angels. He'll be the best shortstop in the AL for the second-half of this decade."

" ...  2. Ian Stewart, 3B, Rockies. A power-hitting third baseman playing half his games in Coors Field -- how can you not love that? "


11 March, 2006

    World Baseball Classic ...  the Rocket amazing ... Roger Clemens 4-1/3 1 0 0 0 6 as USA whipped South Africa 17-0 ... Shairon Martis of the Netherlands tossed a seven-inning no-hitter as the Netherlands downed Panama 10-0 ... Dominican over Australia 6-4, Francisco Liriano 2-2/3 2 1 0 0 6  ... Daniel Cabrera BAL 3-1/3 3 1 1 1 2 ... Puerto Rico topped Cuba 12-2 ...

    Spring Training ... Joe Saunders LAA 2 1-3 2 1 0 1 1 ... Erick Aybar LAA 2-3, double ... Joe Borchard CHA 1-3, homer, 2 RBI ... Alex Gordon KC 2-3, double ... Corey Hart MIL 1-2, homer, 2 RBI ... Justin Upton ARZ PH 1-1 ... Miguel Montero ARZ 1-1, triple ... Rich Hill CHN 2 4 4 4 1 4 ... Brandon Wood LAA 0-2 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-3, homer, 3 RBI ... ooops, Anthony Lerew ATL 1-3 2 6 6 2 1 ... Boof Bonser MIN 3 5 1 1 1 1 ... Jason Kubel MIN, in RF, 1-3 ... Philip Hughes NYA 2 3 1 1 1 2 ... Yusmeiro Petit FLO 2 2 0 0 0 2 ... Jason Stokes FLO, finally beginning to live up to the promise, 2-4, double, homer ... Dan Uggla FLO 0-4, 2 errors ... Hanley Ramirez FLO 0-4 ... Edwin Jackson TB, another superb outing, 3 1 0 0 0 0 ...  BJ Upton TB 1-2, SB ... Adam Wainwright ATL, a mixed bag, 3 2-3 6 2 1 0 3 ... Mike Pelfrey NYN 3 3 3 0 1 3 ... Lastings Milledge NYN 2-4 ...

    Troop Movements ...  TOR - Ricky Romero, David Purcey to minor league camp ... BAL - optioned John Parrish to AAA, Orber Moreno to minor league camp ...

    A few more notes from Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld.com, and his Top 150 prospect chart :

" ...  21. Billy Butler ...  projects as an even better hitter than Alex Gordon. His numbers in Double-A were actually more impressive than his totals in the offensive paradise that is High Desert ...  a natural designated hitter, though the hope is that he can at least be adequate in left during his prime. Butler figures to hit .300 with regularity in the majors, and he could top out at 35 homers per year. He might make his major league debut in the second half."

" ...27. Jon Lester ...   Because he’s a lefty capable of touching 95 mph with his fastball, Lester has been in demand in trade talks for years now. It was only in 2005 that he developed into a top-flight pitching prospect. Helped along by a cut fastball he developed in 2004, he’s talented enough to be a No. 2 starter in the majors. Better command of his curveball and an improved changeup are necessary if he’s going to fulfill his potential, but since he’s just 22, he has plenty of time to grow."

" ... 47. Cesar Carrillo ...  made it to Double-A in his pro debut. He could be a part of the Padres’ rotation by the middle of the summer. Carrillo has outstanding command of an above average arsenal. He can throw 95 mph, but he’s better when he takes something off his fastball and gets sinking action on the pitch. Both his curveball and his changeup are major league offerings, though neither is a true strikeout pitch ... one of the NL’s top pitching prospects for both real and fantasy baseball."

" ... 91. Chuck James  ... was one the most dominant performers in the minors last season, finishing with a 2.12 ERA and a 193/36 K/BB ratio in 161 1/3 IP. Opposing batters managed a .179/.231/.277 line against him. James got the job done with a fastball in the 88-91 mph range and an outstanding changeup. His slider remains a work in progress, and because he’s such a flyball pitcher, he’s sure to have more problems in the majors. Still, it’d be disappointing if he didn’t become at least a reliable fourth starter. With Kyle Davies ahead of him in line for a rotation spot, James appears likely to spend at least half of this year back in Triple-A. A place in Atlanta’s bullpen can’t be ruled out, but the Braves will likely want to run through some other candidates first. "

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, offers a preview of the MIL farm, including the following prospects (as we continue to try and select some of the lesser-publicized young guns).

" ...  Mark Rogers ...  While Rogers had a bad year numbers-wise ... made a lot of progress with his mechanics as the Brewers basically are re-making the 2004 first-rounder's delivery ...  still working to find consistency with that and when he does, the Brewers feel with his work ethic, he's going to take off. He's got a long way to go, but he'll move up one rung to Brevard County in 2006."

" ...  Corey Hart ...  really added to his value within the organization when he went to the Arizona Fall League and played some third and first along with the outfield, which he's played the past couple of seasons. He's very fast for a big man, running a 6.5 in the 60. He made a big leap with plate discpline last year (.377 OBP) while showing a nice power (17 HR/31 steals) combination. He's got a good chance at making the Brewers out of Spring Training, where he could become a super-utility guy getting time in three spots."

" ... Angel Salome ... catching prospect with the highest ceiling in the Brewers system, Salome showed last year that when he's on, he's one of the brightest young stars in the game. He hit .415 in Helena while slugging .673 and posting a .469 OBP. In West Virginia, however, he hit just .254. Defensively, when he's on, he can throw with any catcher at any level. He still needs a lot of work with game-calling and defense. He'll move one rung at a time and spend all year in West Virginia, where things could very well start clicking into place."

    Carter Gaddis, Tampa Tribune, with a feature on Wes Bankston TB as he gives the hot corner a try.

" ...  It's hard for Wes Bankston to say yet how well this third base thing is working out. He'll let you know once a ball is hit his way. In 14 innings - including eight in a "B" game - at the hot corner this spring, the most strenuous activity Bankston has endured on the field was kicking a few pebbles off the dirt. "I keep anticipating that first ball my way," Bankston said. "Either make a play or boot it. Just get it out of the way." He'll get his chance to make meaningful catches and throws soon enough. Plenty of them. This is no passing fancy for the Rays or for Bankston ...  "It's definitely in the experimental stage," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "It's early in the process. He figures in our future no matter where he's playing, but he's more valuable to us and he's more valuable to himself as a third baseman." ..."If he struggles and fails, he'll be fine," Friedman said. "He knows he can move back across the diamond. There's zero downside in our mind to this move. All there is is upside."

    Dustin Nippert, still getting mentioned as a rotation possibility in ARZ .

" ...  Nippert was exceptional in his spring training debut, allowing one hit in two scoreless innings against the White Sox ... "He was outstanding the last time out. That's the best I've seen him," manager Bob Melvin said. "He had great command of his fastball, he dropped some curveballs in there and a change-up or two, not that he needed to."...   could still figure into the rotation mix, but must show steady improvement and polish some of his other skills, such as his slide step and being quicker to home. "We envision him, once he's here, being here for quite a while," Melvin said."  (Arizona Republic)

    Edwin Encarnacion bringing lots of smiles to the Reds' camp.

" ...   Encarnacion has been a force offensively this spring and continued the hot hitting Thursday. The Reds third baseman hit a two-run home run in his first at-bat  ... now is batting .429 with a team-leading five homers and 12 RBI in seven games. "He's definitely been locked in on offense," Narron [manager Jerry Narron} said ...  "I think he's going to be a middle-of-the-order guy," Narron said. "We're talking about a young kid. He's got some growing to do. "The big thing is if he's going to be an RBI guy that's going to drive in the big runs there in the middle of the order. That's what we're going to have to find out."   (Cincinnati Enquirer)

    Baby steps.

" ...  Michael Aubrey, a first-round choice in 2003, took live batting practice three days ago for the first time this spring. Ever since signing his pro contract, Aubrey has been plagued by injuries, the latest to his back. ``Right now, he's on track to break camp with a minor-league team,'' Shapiro [General Manager Mark Shapiro] said."  (Akron Beacon Journal)


10 March, 2006

    World Baseball Classic ... Oh no, Canada ... Mexico 9 Canada 1, Jeff Francis pounded ... Dominican 8-3 over Italy ... Venezuela 2 Australia 0 ... Cuba 11, Netherlands 2 ...

    Spring Training ... Jason Kubel MIN 1-3, as DH ...  Bill Bray WAS 1 4 4 4 1 1 ... Andy Marte CLE 1-2 ... Joel Zumaya DET 3 1 1 0 0 2 ... Ricky Romero TOR 2 3 2 1 1 3 ... Cameron Maybin DET 0-2 ... Ezequiel  Astacio HOU 3 1 0 0 2 3 ... Scott Olsen FLO 3 2 0 0 0 0 ... Ryan Zimmerman WAS 0-2 ... Gio Gonzalez PHI 1 4 3 3 1 1 ... Daniel Haigwood PHI 2 4 0 0 1 2 ... Eric Duncan 1B NYA 2-4, homer, 4 RBI ...  Austin Jackson CF NYA 3-3, SB ... Ian Snell PIT 4 2 2 2 2 1 ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 1-3, 5th homer ... Anthony Reyes STL 3 5 2 2 1 3 ... Jason Stokes FLO 2-3, homer ... Jeremy Hermida FLO 0-2 ... BJ Upton TB 1-3, double ... Delmon Young TB 1-1, SB ... Abe Alvarez BOS 1 1 0 0 0 1 ... Joel Guzman LAD, in LF,  1-3, 2 RBI ... Casey Kotchman LAA 2-3, double ... Kendry Morales LAA 1-2, homer ... Jeff Mathis LAA 2-3, double ... Ryan Sweeney CHA 2-4, homer ... Josh Fields CHA 3B 1-1, 3rd homer, 3 RBI ... Cesar Carrillo SD 2 3 2 2 2 2 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 2-3, double ... John Danks TEX 3 1 0 0 01 ..

    Troop Movements ...  CIN - released Luke Hudson, Bubba Nelson ... WAS - Francis Beltran, Kory Casto, Ruben Mateo among those to minor league camp (MLC), Michael Hinckley optioned to Single-A Potomac,  Larry Broadway to Triple-A New Orleans ... CLE - Ben Francisco, Trevor Crowe to MLC ...

    No surprise at the top in Dayn Perry's last Top 100 installment at FOXSportsDelmon Young reigns over Brandon Wood No. 2, and Chris Young No. 3 :

" ...  Young ...  the most underrated prospect in the game. He doesn't get the attention he should mostly because he doesn't hit for high averages, and he strikes out a bit too much. But here's what he can do: hit for power, draw walks at a nice clip, run the bases extremely well and provide excellent defense in center ...  expect him to take over in center in Arizona at some point in the second half. In terms of upside, Young could be a healthy Eric Davis. Yeah, he's that promising."

" ... 6. Alex Gordon ...  has tremendous offensive potential. He shows patience at the plate and an ability to hit for average. Gordon also flashes excellent power to all fields, and he runs the bases better than you might expect. At third, he has good footwork and a strong arm. There's some danger that the Royals might move Gordon to an outfield corner, but surely they'll figure out it's unwise to move Gordon in deference to the underwhelming likes of Mark Teahen. In any event, don't be surprised if Gordon tops this list in 2007."

    With Dayn's Top 100 complete, beginning to put together a consensus 100.  This year we should have around twenty Top 100s to include in the compilation.

    David Regan, at The Hardball Times, with his picks as the 2006 breakout candidates :

" ...  Ryan Sweeney (White Sox, Outfield): Sweeney is a strapping 6’5”, 210 pounds who has all the tools. So far though, he’s hit just 10 home runs in over 1,000 minor league at-bats. I expect that to change this year as he is fully recovered from a wrist injury that sapped his power last year. A 20-home run season is within his grasp and he could do it in either Double-A or Triple-A while still at the tender age of 21. Power is often the last tool to develop, and when it does for Sweeney, he’ll rise quickly on prospect lists."

"Wade Davis (Devil Rays, Starter) ...  a hard thrower who posted a solid 10.2 K/9 in the NY-Penn league last year. At age 20, he’s ready for full-season ball and could rocket up the charts with a solid year in the low Single-A Midwest League."

"Adam Loewen (Orioles, Starter) ...  a disappointment since being drafted #4 overall back in 2002, but there are signs pointing to a breakout in 2006. Since 2002 he’s shown flashes of brilliance, but Ankiel-like command has resulted in a BB/9 of 5.6. Down the stretch in 2005 he did show much improvement, and a trip to the Arizona Fall League resulted in a league-best 1.67 ERA in 27 innings (though he did walk 14). Loewen should start at Double-A this year, where I’ll be looking for a breakout"

     Jeff Allison, the Marlins' 2003 first round pick, AWOL :

" ...  Allison, the talented right-hander who overcame a heroin overdose and a dependency on OxyContin to return to the mound last season, has left the team's minor league complex. He has not been released or placed on the restricted list, but it's unclear when or if he will return to the organization.  "I don't know what his [official] status is, but no, he's not with us," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Wednesday ...  "He's suspended, I believe." Loria, who visited Allison at a Massachusetts rehabilitation center before the 2004 season, said he wasn't sure if the pitcher had returned to rehab. It's unclear if Allison's latest departure was related to another failed drug test. "I don't know where he's going or what he's doing," Loria said. "We're in the process of dealing with that now."   (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, on Jeff Clement SEA :

" ...  no one with the Mariners is too worried about Clement's bat. Already with a homer to his credit this spring, his offensive ability is what made him a No. 3 pick and is what could have him in Double-A by the end of his first full season. He's got as much power from the left side as any recent draftee and there isn't a catcher in recent memory who can even compare with his upside potential with the stick. His work behind the plate is a different matter. He's not a bad receiver, but it's undeniable that his bat is way ahead of his glove ...  No one is talking about a need to move him, but he does have considerable work to do behind the plate ...  Assuming the hard work pays off, Clement could be knocking on the door to a big-league catching job by the end of the 2007 season."


09 March, 2006

    World Baseball Classic ...  Ohhhhh Canada ...  might be Canada's biggest international baseball victory ... an 8-6 upset over Team USA as centre fielder Adam Stern ATL had a huge day -- inside-the-park homer, triple, single, 4 RBI, several outstanding plays in the outfield ... Adam Loewen BAL 3-2/3 3 0 0 3 0 ... Cuba over Panama 8-6 in 11 innings ... Venezuela 6-0 over Italy ...

    Spring Training ... Chad Billingsley LAD, a rough beginning, 2-1/3 6 3 3 2 0  ... Joel Guzman LAD a little more LF and 1-1, homer ... Matt Kemp LAD 1-3, triple ... Casey Janssen TOR 2 1 0 0 0 1 ... Shaun Marcum TOR 2 0 0 0 0 3 ...  Jason Hirsh HOU 3 7 4 4 1 1 ...  Lastings Milledge NYN 0-3, walk, K, SB, 2 RBI ... Edwin Encarnacion CIN 1-4, 4th homer ... Jason Kubel MIN, in the OF too, 1-3 ... Jeremy Sowers CLE 3 5 2 2 2 1 ... Andy Marte CLE 4-4, double, homer, 3 RBI ... Guillermo Quiroz TOR 1-1, homer, 2 runs ... Tom Gorzelanny PIT 3 2 0 0 1 2 ... Homer Bailey CIN 1 0 0 0 1 1 ... Dan Uggla FLO 2-2, double, homer, 3 RBI ... Hanley Ramirez FLO 3-3, triple, 3 runs ... Ryan Zimmerman WAS 0-5, 3 Ks ... Ervin Santana LAA 3 0 0 0 1 3 ... Howie Kendrick LAA 1-4, triple ... Matt Tuiasosopo SEA 3-4, double, 2 RBI ... Adam Jones 1-3, double ... Edison Volquez TEX 3 1 0 0 1 2 ... Ian Stewart COL 4-5, double, homer, 3 runs, 3 RBI, SB ... Stephen Drew ARZ 1-3, double ... Chris Carter ARZ 2-2, double, homer, 3 RBI ... Justin Verlander DET 2 2-3 4 1 1 1 2 ... Josh Barfield SD 4-5, 2 doubles, grand slam, 5 RBI ... Prince Fielder MIL back in the lineup, 1-2, homer ... Paul Maholm PIT 3 6 5 5 3 0

    Troop Movements ...   CHA - acquired Alex Cintron from ARZ for Jeff Bajenaru, Arnie Munoz outright to AAA ... LAD -  Edwin BellorinEric Stults to minor league camp ...

    Jerry Crowe, LA Times, reports a smooth first day in left for Joel Guzman :

" ...  It was bright and breezy, less than ideal conditions for a converted shortstop to make his debut in left field, but touted Dodger prospect Joel Guzman handled the move with aplomb ...  "It was a good first outing for him out there," said bench coach Dave Jauss, who has been working with the imposing Guzman ...  "A couple plays right to him, got him broken in, and nice, easy throws for him. He looked smooth out there." ...  had three putouts, the most difficult a slicing fly ball off the bat of Skip Schumaker. "How about ol' Guzman out there in left field?" a smiling Manager Grady Little said afterward ... "We wanted to see some chances because we wanted to do some evaluating, but he handled all the plays that he had to make very easily. I thought he was impressive." 

    Some potentially good news for Philly Phans ...

" ...  Cole Hamels continued his road to the starting-rotation competition with a strong session facing live hitters for the first time since his chronic back condition sidelined him in June. Hamels, the team's first-round pick in 2002, overpowered minor leaguers for about 20 minutes. As in his bullpen sessions, Hamels was precise, with excellent velocity. "His bullpen sessions have been very good," said pitching coach Rich Dubee, who drove to St. Petersburg instead of taking the team bus so he could stay behind and watch Hamels. "We'll try this three times, and we'll see where we stand." That means Hamels could be pitching in a game as early as next week."  (Philadelphia Daily News)

    Another Tom Glavine comp in ATL

" ... Chuck James is something, I'm telling you," Cox [Manager Bobby Cox] said after the rookie left-hander was charged with one run and two hits in two innings ... When someone asked Cox if James, 24, could be compared with former Brave pitcher Tom Glavine, the manager didn't dismiss the seemingly premature notion. He said the two had similar stuff, and James is working toward Glavine-type command. James, 24, will get more starts while Jorge Sosa is away for the WBC. "I think he's legit," Cox said of James, who had a 2.12 ERA with 198 strikeouts and 39 walks in 167 innings last season for four teams, starting the season at Class A Rome and finishing with a September call-up for Atlanta."  (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

    Anthony Reyes making an impression in the STL camp :

" ... the Cardinals' undisputed top prospect ... .  if there's any science to predicting pitching prospects, he'll be very good when he finally arrives for good. "He's got everything," said manager Tony La Russa. "He works hard. He's got a great future. It's a matter of when, not if." Reyes pitches easily in the low-90s and can hit 96 with his fastball. He has enough heat to pitch up in the zone sometimes, though that's not something that will endear him to the coaching staff. He has a tight breaking ball and a fine changeup. He even features impressive command for a 24-year-old. Reyes has averaged barely two walks and more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings over the course of his professional career. So what's left? "He's just got to be consistent," said pitching coach Dave Duncan. "In order to pitch in the big leagues, you've got to be consistent."  (MLB.com)

    InsideTheDugout offers another installment in its Top 100 (26 to 50) with some awfully nice talent near the bottom of the list :

" ...  30 -Troy Tulowitzki ...  Tulowitzki was believed to be one of the safest players in the 2005 draft as the Rockies took him with their first pick. Tulowitzki is often compared to fellow Long Beach State shortstop Bobby Crosby. Tulowitzki has similar traits as Crosby, such as plus power and defense. Tulowitzki projects to hit 25-30 homeruns in the majors and shows excellent range and a strong arm. Tulowitzki should hit for a solid average. He could work on taking a few more walks. Tulowitzki should start back at High A Modesto in the California League in 2006, and if he plays well should move up quickly through the system. ETA: Midseason 2007."

" ...36 - Anibal Sanchez ...  blossomed into one the best pitching prospects in baseball. Featuring a mid 90’s fastball with good movement and brilliant control. He also has a fantastic changeup and a curve ...  needs to continue maintaining consistent mechanics, to maintain control as well as avoid injury ...  could be a very special pitcher down the line, a possible ace if he avoids serious injury and continues developing his secondary pitches."

" ... 37 - Mike Pelfrey ...  throws straight cheese with a fastball that sits between 92-97 MPH and has a lot of sink, a good change-up, which could potentially be a plus pitch. He also has a very tight curveball, and it can be an out pitch at times. Overall, he has very good stuff and is very competitive and very polished. Pelfrey could be ready with in a year or so, and will most likely dominate in the low minors and has the ceiling of a number one starter."

" ... 49 - Ryan Braun ...  could move through the Brewers system quickly due to his polished bat ... However as with many power hitters, scouts are already questioning whether he will stick at third. Milwaukee will start him there, but with his strong arm, a future in the outfield is not out of the question. After signing, Braun had 190 AB’s between rookie ball and low A, putting up impressive numbers but Milwaukee shut him down early due to a sore elbow."

    Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, on Juan Dominguez and Ian Kinsler :

" ... As each day passes this spring, it’s becoming more and more apparent the Rangers are this close (I’m holding my thumb and forefinger only a millimeter apart) to giving up on Juan Dominguez. He’s already fallen behind Josh Rupe in the battle for the fifth spot and may be about dead even with Thomas Diamond. Don’t be surprised if Edison Volquez passes him before the end of the spring. That would all but leave Dominguez out of the Rangers’ plans. Once Diamond and Volquez move into the rotation, the Rangers will be planning on having them there for a long time. "

" ... Through the first week of games ...  Kinsler reached base eight times in his first 12 plate appearances of spring. He’s handled second adequately. The Rangers love him. There would have to be a significant spiral downward for Kinsler not to be the starting second baseman. But if he’s not, the Rangers feel Mark DeRosa could handle the job adequately. If Kinsler is not ready, the Rangers would probably keep DeRosa and D’Angelo Jimenez (unless another second baseman becomes available) and semi-platoon them. Jimenez, a switch-hitter, would probably get all of his starts against right-handers, though DeRosa would also play against some righties. "

    Catch-up on the MLB.com team-by-team reviews ... highlighting more of the "under the radar" prospects :

STL, Colby Rasmus, OF  " ...  Cardinals are anxious to see whether their top pick from last year is ready to step into a full-season league at age 19. Rasmus was certainly up to the challenge of the Appy League in his professional debut, hitting .296/.362/.514 with impressive power for his 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame ...  one deficiency was a rather glaring one -- 73 strikeouts in 62 games, including nine three-strikeout games and a five-K performance that was part of eight consecutive whiffs. Rasmus was an all-or-nothing type hitter, racking up 21 multi-hit games and 20 multi-strikeout games, only once doing both in the same game. "

STL, Mark McCormick, RHP  " ...  After three topsy-turvy years at Baylor, which included a suspension and a fallout with his Cape Cod League team, McCormick finally ended up settling for $800,000 from the Cardinals. He breezed through his first two outings in the New York-Penn League (6 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 3 BB, 10 K) and fared well in his first half dozen starts after a promotion to Quad Cities, only to falter in his final three outings, a not uncommon trend for first-year college pitchers. The one main on-field inhibitor that has offset McCormick's incredible stuff since high school -- a lack of control -- is still present. In 48 2/3 innings, he walked 31 batters, hit five others, and uncorked five wild pitches."

HOU, Eli Iorg, OF  " ...  son of former big leaguer Garth Iorg had seven homers and 34 RBIs in 35 games. The Astros wanted to take it easy on him because he was recovering from a stress fracture in his foot. If you're looking for a hole in his game, it may be patience at the plate, but that will change in time. For now, he's A-ball bound. "He's someone we continue to talk about," Bennett said. "His key will be getting at-bats and playing time. He's a well-rounded player who plays with a lot of intensity. He's outgoing, energetic and can swing the bat. "

HOU, Ben Zobrist, SS  " ... might be a lightweight when it comes to the power department but he has a knack for getting on base. He struck out only 42 times last season while drawing 84 walks, a trend you don't often see in a player who begins his season in the Sally League. He's intriguing because, on a good team, he's one of those solid players who continues to get the job done in anonymous fashion. His career .324 average doesn't hurt either. He had 15 errors last season but seemed to play better once he got bumped up to the Carolina League. "

CHN, Sean Marshall, LHP   " ... 2003 sixth-round draft choice, had a couple of nagging injuries involving tendons in his fingers. When he's right, he's got great command and feel of pitches, all of which have a downhill feel, thanks to the 23-year-old's 6-foot-6 frame. He's another guy who could eventually fill a number of roles, and it'd be interesting to see what he might do if he could stay healthy all year."

CHN, Donald Veal, LHP " ...  been compared to Dontrelle Willis since he was in high school. Veal, like Willis, is very aggressive and has a very extroverted personality. He pitches with that passion and is very polished for a young hurler coming from a junior college (Pima Community College). He could join Pawelek as a nice 1-2 combination in Peoria, though there is a chance the 21-year-old will be pushed up to Daytona."


08 March, 2006

    Whew.  World Baseball Classic ... Team Canada rallied for four in the ninth to down South Africa 11-8 ... Team USA downed Mexico 2-0 ...  Dominican 11-5 over Venezuela ... Puerto Rico 2, Panama 1 ... Italy whipped Australia 10-0 ... Team Canada vs Team USA Wednesday ...

    Spring Training ... Mike Megrew FLO walked all four batters he faced, 0 0 2 1 4 0 ... Mike Jacobs FLO 3-4, 3 RBI ...  Hayden Penn BAL 2 3 1 1 1 2 ... Jonathan Papelbon BOS 3 4 2 2 0 2 ... Felix Hernandez SEA 2 4 3 3 0 2 ... Corey Hart MIL 2-3, homer, SB, 2 RBI ...  Alex Gordon KC 0-2, 2 walks, 2 runs ... Matt Cain SF 3 2 1 1 1 3 ... Josh Rupe TEX 3 5 2 2 0 0 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 1-2, double ... Dan Uggla FLO 3-5, double, SB ... Chuck James ATL 2 2 1 1 0 2 ... Zach Duke PIT 3 7 2 2 1 4 ... Wilson Betemit ATL 2-3, double ... Brad Eldred PIT 1-4, homer ... James Loney LA 2-4, double ... Jason Hammel TB 3 2 2 2 1 2 ... BJ Upton TB 0-4, 2 Ks ... Delmon Young TB 0-1, walk ... Fernando Nieve HOU  3 4 3 1 2 3 ... Sean Henn NYA 2 3 0 0 1 0 ... Jason Kubel MIN, in RF, 0-1 ... Howie Kendrick LAA 0-2 ... Carlos Quentin ARZ 2-4, double, walk ...

" ... Right-hander Jered Weaver allowed two earned runs and five hits in two innings. He also walked two, giving him six in 3 2-3 innings."  (AP)

The box score at MLB.com, however, shows Weaver as having walked none and fanned two.

    Troop Movements ...  NYN - Philip Humber, Matt Lindstrom among those sent to minor league camp ...  STL - Dennis Tankersley, Bryan Anderson among those assigned to minor league camp ... BAL - released Richard Hildago from minor league contract ... CHA - Ben Grieve to minor league camp ... MIL - Mike Jones to A-Ball ...

    Matthew Pouliot, RotoWorld.com,  sticks with a couple of prospects in the upper 10 of his Top 150 as the pair decline a bit in other polls.  And, then there's the on-rushing Stephen Drew and Chris Young and ...

" ...  4. Daric Barton ... While questions persist about where Barton will play and how much power he’ll develop, the 20-year-old looks like as close to a sure thing to become a quality regular as prospects get. His patient approach at the plate and exceptional pitch recognition skills will lead to .380+ OBPs, and while it’s unlikely that he’ll develop into a 30-homer guy, he should contribute 40 doubles a year to go along with his 20 home runs. Barton’s long-term home will likely be either first base or DH, though a switch back to catcher hasn’t been ruled out. Even the outfield is a possibility."

" ... 6. Joel Guzman ...  More was hoped for in the power department, but Guzman hit .287 and demonstrated the best walk rate of his career as a 20-year-old in the Southern League. Perhaps that’s even better news than a 30-homer season would have been, as everyone knows the power is going to come. Just how good of a major leaguer he’ll be will be determined by his OBP. Guzman will finally move off shortstop this year, with the Dodgers announcing at the beginning of spring training that left field would be his new home. It’s almost a shame, since he really is a quality defender for someone who is 6-foot-6."

" ... 18. Stephen Drew ...  went on post remarkable numbers at Single-A Lancaster and again in the AFL, though he struggled during a Double-A stint in between. He also missed time with hamstring and quad injuries. An exceptional offensive talent with on-base skills and 25- or 30-homer ability, Drew could be a superstar if he can stay at shortstop. However, like Upton, he might be better off in center. Second base is another possibility."

" ... 24. Chris Young ...  should be the club’s center fielder in 2007. While he won’t hit for average because of high strikeout totals, he’ll post respectable OBPs and he could have a couple of 30 HR/30 SB seasons in his prime. Defensively, he falls a little short of Cameron’s Gold Glove ability. He has terrific range, so he should be above average for a long time. His arm isn’t very good. The broken right hand Young suffered in February shouldn’t develop into any sort of long-term concern, though it might prevent him from starting the season on time."

" ... 36. Russell Martin ...  the converted third baseman is turning into a fine defensive catcher. His arm strength is above average, and though he’s still relatively new to catching, he’s good at blocking pitches. On offense, he could hit .280 with 12-15 homers per year and an excellent walk rate.  He’ll also probably be a decent basestealer for at least a few years, making him one of the NL’s top fantasy catchers."

" ... 42. Craig Hansen ...  probably has the stuff to start for a major league team, but the Red Sox will likely continue to develop him as a reliever, with an eye toward making him the closer as soon as 2007. His mid-90s fastball and terrific slider could make him dominant in that role. Because the Red Sox have loaded up on pitching, Hansen won’t have much of a chance of winning a bullpen spot coming out of spring training. He might be back in Boston sometime around the All-Star break."

    And, we welcome Mike Bornhorst, SI.com, with the latest Top 100.  It's geared toward the 2006 season and Jeremy Hermida takes the tops spot over Delmon Young  (given Hermida is more likely to win a starting slot this season).  Some of the lesser-known picks :

" ... 13. Paul Maholm ...  stepped in to the Pirates rotation at the end of the 2005 season ...   His K:BB ratio was pedestrian, but he managed a 2.18 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in the bigs. He's now in the fourth spot in the rotation, and projects to be solid arm to round out your NL-only pitching staff."

" ... 17. Scott Olsen ...  more than held his own during his 20 innings worth of exposure to big-league bats (3.98 ERA, 21:10 K:BB), this cemented Olsen's claim as having the best arm in the organization. His season was hampered by a trip to the DL due to elbow inflammation caused by a bone spur. Olsen should begin this season in the Marlins' rotation, but be careful. The kid's got the arm, but he doesn't have the complementary players around him necessary to have a winning record. Expect innings, K's and a ton of no-decisions."

" ... 23. Shinji Mori ...  Slated to be a setup man for the Devil Rays, this 32-year-old Japanese import may still compete for the closer's role -- Chad Orvella is hardly a lock. Worth a flyer if for no other reason that the potential to back in to some saves."

" ... 24. Hayden Penn ...  made his major league debut for the Orioles last May. For a while, he held his own with the big-league club, but ended up posting less-than stellar numbers ...   Still, there's a lot to be excited about with this righty who already has command of three above-average pitches. Barring an injury to a big leaguer, look for Penn to spend the season in AAA ball."

" ... 31. Jason Hirsh ...  Six feet, eight inches of pitching. That's Hirsh in a nutshell. His 2005 was outstanding: 2.87 ERA, 165:42 K:BB. There's some concern that his numbers were embellished by his ballpark, but success this season at a higher level will put those whispers to rest. The righty has command of a mid-90s fastball, a slider, and is working on a changeup. Look for him to make an appearance in Houston before the end of the season."

    Great to see Jason Collette, RotoJunkie, with the annual edition of The Fix. It's the whole shebang to help prepare for your 2006 draft(s) -- including projections, team-by-team rookie reports, dollar values, statistical histories on hundreds of players, and a whole bunch more.  Jason again handles the minor league reports (which is likely to include a Top 100).  Among the entries a couple of prospect seemingly going in opposite directions :

" ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia ...   had a breakout year in High A ball, putting up very strong numbers in one of the most pitching-friendly ball parks in all of the minor leagues. Credit his improvement to his hard work in the 2004 off-season. Our old friend Brad Dowdy (big time promotion cut into his baseball time) got to meet up with Jarrod’s dad at camp last March. His dad talked about all the hard work Jarrod had done in the off-season because he knew he had to do whatever he could to keep up with Brian McCann. While he is going to struggle to repeat that lofty batting average in 2006, his switch-hitting power is legit. This poses a problem as the Braves move forward with McCann as their primary catcher, but there are worse problems to have. Saltalamacchia is athletic enough where they can think about moving his bat to first base, so a positional switch may be in his near future.

" ... James Loney  ...   Except for his parents, I’m probably one of the few people left who are in the James Loney fan club. I can’t help it, I refuse to give up on someone who swings the bat and handles the glove as well as he does. I’m biased because I’ve seen him play a lot while living in Jacksonville. He has a smooth swing that just hasn’t translated into results. In Loney’s defense, he has been hurt at nearly every step of his career with wrist and hand problems until this past season when he finally survived injury free. He is still too young to give up on and I think a second straight full season will do wonders for his numbers. His numbers will also be aided by the time he’ll spend in Las Vegas and the rest of the PCL in 2006. At worst, he’ll be a defensive replacement at the Major League level because he is a Hoover at first base."

    A slight chance, but a chance, for a rookie to take over the closer role in FLO :

" ... Travis Bowyer, a 24-year-old rookie obtained from the Minnesota Twins ...   nothing dawdling about his fastball, which routinely clocks at 99 mph and, as his minor-league average of nearly a strikeout per inning attests, is vicious on hitters. That's not the concern. The concern is that Bowyer hasn't perfected a breaking pitch to complement his fastball, and his strike-zone command has led to agonizingly high walk totals, to the tune of about 4.5 per nine innings pitched. ''The [curveball] has really been a tough pitch for me to throw,'' Bowyer said. ``I don't know if it's because of my long arm or what, but it's a work in progress.'' ...  there are many in baseball who believe rookies aren't mentally ready to handle late-inning pressure-cookers on a regular basis. Marlins manager Joe Girardi said he doesn't belong to that school of thought, though. ''Some rookies can handle situations, some can't,'' Girardi said. ``But I don't care if he's a rookie. I don't care if the guy pitched in [Single] A ball or he pitched 10 years. I feel that if he can close, and he shows me he can close, then he'll close.'' Girardi is considering several options, including Bowyer, for the role."  (MIami Herald)

    A report that the Padres already ready to give up on Matt Bush as a shortstop and try Plan B :

" ... The Padres have discussed the possibility of converting shortstop Matt Bush, their first pick overall in the 2004 draft, into a pitcher. Bush pitched for Mission Bay High and is said to have mid-90s velocity."  (San Diego Union Tribune)

    Ken Rosenthal,  FOXSports, on Nick Markakis BAL : 

" ... Based on early indications, the Orioles might be tempted to award their left-field job to Nick Markakis, who reached base in eight of his first nine plate appearances. Orioles vice-president Jim Duquette is not afraid to push young players — he was an executive with the Mets when the team summoned shortstop Jose Reyes at age 20 in 2003 and third baseman David Wright at 21 in '04. Reyes had 435 at-bats above Class A when he reached the majors, Wright 337. Markakis, 22, entered pro ball with more experience than those two; he played two years at junior college. Still, he has only 124 at-bats above Class A."


06 March, 2006

    On the road Monday/Tuesday (and with a draft Tuesday night) so might be missing a day or so ... World Baseball Classic ... Korea upset Japan 3-2 to win the top spot in their pool of the WBC ... both teams advance ...

    Troop Movements ...  FLO - terminated its contract with Pokey Reese ...  TOR - Robinzon Diaz to minor league camp ...

    Joey Devine ATL 2 2 0 0 1 3 ... Wilson Betemit ATL 2-3, homer ... Franklin Gutierrez CLE 1-2 ... Jordan Tata DET 3 1 1 0 0 1 ... Philip Hughes NYA 1 1-3 1 1 1 2 0 ... Edwin Jackson TB 2 0 0 0 0 3 ... Elijah Dukes TB 1-1, homer ... John Maine NYN 2 0 0 0 0 0 ... Alay Soler NYN 1 2-3 3 4 4 1 2 ... Russ Martin LAD 1-2, 2 RBI ... Joel Guzman LAD, DH, 2-3, walk, 3 runs ... Andy LaRoche LAD 2-3, grand slam, 6 RBI ... Matt Kemp LAD 1-3, homer, 3 RBI ... Nick Markakis BAL 2-2, homer ... Ryan Zimmerman WAS 2-3, homer,  2 RBI ... Yusmeiro Petit FLO 2-3 3 5 5 2 0 ... Adam Wainwright STL 3 1 2 0 0 0 ... Joe Saunders LAA 2 0 0 0 1 0 ... Casey Kotchman LAA 1-3, homer, 3 RBI ... Howie Kendrick LAA 2-4 ... Kendry Morales LAA 0-4 ... Rich Hill CHN 2 1 0 0 0 1 ... Dustin Nippert ARZ 2 1 0 0 1 2  ... Josh Fields CHA 1-1, homer ... Justin Upton ARZ PH 1-1 ... Troy Tulowitzki COL 1-2, double ...  John Danks TEX 2 0 0 0 2 0 ... Corey Hart MIL 2-3 ... Ian Kinsler TEX 0-2, K, walk ... Francisco Liriano MIN 2 0 1 0 2 4 ... Cesar Carillo SD 1 4 3 3 1 1 ... Hunter Pence HOU 1-4, double ... Michael Pelfrey NYN 2 1 0 0 1 1 (vs Team Puerto Rico) ... Jon Lester BOS 2 3 0 0 0 1 (vs Team Australia) ... Josh Barfield SD 2-2, 2 doubles, 4 RBI :

" ...  Barfield made a strong impression Sunday in his bid to become the San Diego Padres' second baseman. The son of former AL home-run champ Jesse Barfield hit a tiebreaking three-run double in the sixth inning of a 13-7 win over the Seattle Mariners. "Barfield's swinging well," Padres manager Bruce Bochy said. "That's what you want to see from a rookie. He's out there competing for a job so I'm sure there's a little pressure on him. But he's handled it well."  (AP)

In college ball, Andrew Miller, North Carolina, gave up his first runs of the season in his third start (3-0) 7 5 3 2 2 10 (110 pitches)

    Included in part two of the Top 100 at Inside The Dugout a hotshot Angel and a No. 3 hitter for the Royals :

11. Howie Kendrick LAA  " ... great numbers at two stops in the minors. After hitting .384 with 12 homers and 47 RBIs in 63 games at High A Rancho Cucamonga, Kendrick got a call up to Double A in July and put together 21 games hitting streak at Double-A Arkansas, but struggled all throughout the Texas League playoffs ...  Look for Kendrick to start the '06 season in Triple A and in the hitter haven that is the Pacific Coast League, where if he performs with both the bat and the glove, could supplant Adam Kennedy by midseason."

14. Billy Butler KC  " ... Can you believe this guy is only 19? ...  Originally drafted as a 3rd baseman ...  defensive struggles ... leads me to believe he will end up being a 1st baseman or DH in the future ... has no holes in his offensive game. Controlling the strike zone well, hitting for average and plus power to all fields. He belted 25 home-runs in High A High Desert, and then after a late season promotion more then held his own blasting 5 more at Double A Wichita. As his bat has drawn scouts to compare him to players the likes of Matt Williams, and Mike Sweeney. Look for Butler to start the 06’ season back in Double A Wichita and if he starts out hot could be called up to be the Royals primary leftfielder or DH."

    It's Salty again as Terry Borning ranks the ATL system at Inside The Dugout. 

" ...   Jarrod Saltalamacchia ... best catching prospect in baseball, Saltalamacchia (sol'-ta-la-MOCK-ee-ah) has the potential to be a Jason Varitek/Victor Martinez type behind the plate ...  could eventually hit 25-30 homeruns annually as a big leaguer with the potential for more at 6’4, 200 lbs. Has a got a great approach at the plate, showing aggressiveness but maintains good strike zone judgment. Defensively, he’s put the questions of his catching ability to rest, improving his footwork, agility and game calling in 2005."

" ... 2 - Elvis Andrus ...  Potential is the key word for this 17-year-old Venezuelan, who signed with the Braves as a 16-year-old in January 2005. He held his own against older players, batting .293 with an impressive .380 on base percentage combined in two rookie league stops. His steady defense and strong arm add to the all-around package ... while he is probably about 5 years away from The Show, his future is bright."

    That's a wrap.  John Sickels reviews the COL Top 20 and thus completes his team by team reports.  Third baseman Ian Stewart (Grade A-), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (B+) and first sacker Ryan Shealy (B+) rank 1-2-3. 

" ... Although he was prone to injury and a bit erratic in 2005, I remain fully confident in Ian Stewart and expect him to devastate Double-A pitching this year. Tulowitzki isn't far behind, and he could end up as a Grade A/A- prospect by the end of the season if everything goes according to plan."

    Just in case you might have him on your roster.

" ... Former prospect Francisco Butto, who was released after last season, is involved in a murder investigation, according to baseball sources. A clubhouse attendant was killed during the winter league season when a gun was fired in the clubhouse. Butto, who has been signed by the New York Yankees, is barred from leaving the country."

    Jason Ratliff, MLB.com, reviews the TB farm :

" ... Wes Bankston ... Another season, another position ...former right fielder hit .309/.390/.507 with 15 homers and 70 RBIs in 99 games between Class A Visalia and Double-A Birmingham last year while learning to play first base. This year, the Rays have moved him over to the hot corner in Spring Training, trusting that his physical skills (good arm and soft hands) and psychological assets (good makeup and work ethic) will make for an easy transition ...  Bankston's bat is clearly ready for Durham, but the third-base experiment may necessitate a little more time in Montgomery."

" ... Chuck Tiffany ...  was one of the top left-handed pitchers in an exceptionally deep Dodgers system ...  was reportedly excited that the D-Rays thought enough of him to trade their All-Star closer for him (and Edwin Jackson). Though he may not profile as a top-of-the-rotation starter, the 21-year-old Tiffany is viewed by Tampa Bay as a polished hurler who should continue on his trajectory to the big club. So far, so good. In his first three Minor League seasons, he's 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and has struck out nearly 12 batters per nine innings while holding opponents to a .222 average."

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, offers a nice feature on Miguel Montero ARZ :

" ...    After going 8-for-19 in the Arizona Fall League, Montero returned home and proceeded to hit .284 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 49 games with Occidente in the Venezuelan Winter League. But it's not the offensive numbers that have the Diamondbacks buzzing. Arizona always knew he could swing the stick, but his improvement in handling the catching end of things has the organization really excited and thinking of him in the same sentence with other elite prospects like Stephen Drew, Carlos Quentin and Conor Jackson. "We have high expectations for him," Rizzo [Mike Rizzo, Diamondbacks vice president of scouting operations]  said ... "He's coming into his own as a game-caller, a leader behind the plate. So we have very high expectations in the very near future."

    Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com, includes notes on a pair of young SP candidates in his piece on BAL's improving minor league system :

" ...  Garrett Olson  ...  When Olson started in Aberdeen, he was a touch-and-feel lefty throwing in the 87-89 mph range. The Cal Poly product moved up to Frederick for its playoff run and was suddenly throwing 93-94 mph. He proceeded to throw 10 shutout innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out 10 to pitch the Keys to the Carolina League championship. Now the bar of expectations has been raised as Olson's command -- especially of his offspeed stuff -- could mean he'll move quickly."

" ...  Brandon Erbe ...  One of the top pitchers in the Appalachian League, Erbe held hitters there to a .103 batting average before a late callup to Aberdeen. The 6-4 right-hander can dial it up as high as 98 mph. He's got a good breaking ball and a feel for a changeup, but they both need work. He'll pitch in Delmarva's rotation in 2006."
 

 
 

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